Commonwealth prosecutor Fiona McLeod SC told the hearing the woman travelled to Australia from India on a tourist visa in 2007 to perform domestic duties for the couple and help look after their three children, the ABC reported.

Ms McLeod said the woman told detectives Mrs Kannan would hit her if the cooking and cleaning was not up to standard.

She alleged Mrs Kannan made her work from 5.30am to 3:00am each day and throw things if she tried to take a break.

The woman also told police she was often too tired to eat proper meals and subsisted on cups of tea and rice.

Ms McLeod told the hearing in July, 2015 Mrs Kannan called an ambulance when the woman collapsed and was unable to get up.

Paramedics found her emaciated and lying in her own urine on the bathroom floor.

The woman alleged the Kansans' treatment of her deteriorated in the last two to three years that she lived with them.

Mrs Kannan's barrister Dr Gideon Boas told the hearing the woman received clothing, board and food and was cared for by the couple.

"She received things and money and wanted for nothing," the court heard.

A commentator posting on a story about the Kannan family last year praised Mrs Kannan for her "upbringing" of her family.